By Tom Parsons ’15

Photo Courtesy of hollywoodreporter.com

The Boss is back with yet another set of songs to add to his already staggering collection. This past Tuesday, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street band released their latest album, “Wrecking Ball.” It is an angry album about the struggles of America in the 21st century.

The only single coming off this album is “We Take Care of Our Own,” which is an ironic anthem about the hard times that face America today. He ponders the recent lack of motivation to help fellow citizens that came out of economic hardships, while ironically repeating that, “we take care of our own.” Perhaps what is most amazing about this song is his ability to make his music relevant to new times. This is not just seen lyrically, but instrumentally as well. This track has adopted a style that is reminiscent of newer alternative rock bands.

What I love most about this album is that it features the late Clarence Clemons with sax solos on the songs , “Wrecking Ball” and “Land of Hope and Dreams.” There is something so heartfelt and striking about hearing Clemons on a new track from the E & Street Band. It’s almost like he never left. And what makes it all the better is that these pre-recorded instrumentals fit so well into the polished sound of this album.

The last track on this album is “We Are Alive.” This is a soulful song about zombies… but don’t be too quick to judge. It is a really good song. Through the voice of a dead man now risen, it explains that in spite of difficult circumstances, we are still “alive” and have much to be grateful for. So, we should all fight on to live another day. This was a rather appropriate way to end the album. After explaining to the listener the problems with the world, he leaves us with a hopeful message about thankfulness and perseverance.

This album has driving melodies and gritty lyrics. It is the most frustrated Springsteen album that I have ever heard. But this makes sense because America is also frustrated right now and he expresses such feelings in classic Springsteen lyrics and timeless Rock ‘n’ Roll. Springsteen has put out yet another impressive album, and if you consider yourself a fan of any of his other work, then I would suggest listening to “We Take Care of Our Own.”

Bruce has always had a very impressive lyrical style and this song is no exception.